Newsroom

AKRON, Ohio - The Akron Racers moved back to the .500 mark once again as they utilized a home run off the bat of Veronica Wootson and a stellar pitching performance by Angel Shmblin to defeat team Canada 1-0. The win earned the Racers (8-8) a split with Team Canada for the day and the series.

Wootson provided all of the offense for the Racers when she took Canadian pitcher Lauren Bay Regula deep to left field in the bottom of the second inning. The shot was Wootson’s first on the season. Her “good luck” came when a fan gave her some garlic before the game and told her to rub it on her bat. When asked if she would use it again, Wootson claimed she has no reason not to try it next game.

University of Houston product Angel Shamblin toed the rubber for the Racers during the contest and threw a complete game shutout, giving up just two hits. According to pitching coach Mike Forsythe, Shamblin (2-
1) did everything right during the contest and didn’t have trouble hitting any of her spots.

Even though Racer ace Angela Tincher was warming in the bullpen during the sixth inning, Akron manager Shonda Stanton made the decision to let Shamblin pitch during the seventh to earn her first complete game
and shutout at the professional level.

Leadoff hitter Norrelle Dickson was also busy on the bases as she accounted for half the Racers hits, with two, and also stole two bases.

Canadian pitcher Lauren Bay Regula only really made one mistake, Wootson’s homer, but that was enough for Akron. Regula continued on to give up just three more hits. The Canadian pitcher earned the tough luck loss going five innings and giving up one run on four hits.

The Racers will start the rest of their NPF schedule against the league leading Philadelphia Force with a four game series starting on Wednesday at 7 PM. For ticket information, contact the Racers’ ticket
office at (330) 376-8188.